Carlo Oraty

Ancient Faces Hercolaneum - Etching by Carlo Oraty - 18th Century

Late 18th Century

Ancient Roman Frescofrom the series "Antiquities of Herculaneum", is an etching on paper realized by Filippo De Grado in the 18th Century. Good conditions. Signed in the lower. Th...

Ancient Roman Fresco from the series "Antiquities of Herculaneum", is an etching on paper realized by Filippo De Grado in the 18th Century. Good conditions. Signed on the lower. T...

Wonderful images of classical Roman masks Copper-plate engravings Published by Monaldini, Rome, 1776 Good quality wove paper Free shipping  

Chronological Portraits of the Kings of Spain – Large Engraved Suite, Rome c.1700 This impressive engraved suite presents a chronological portrait history of Spain, tracing political authority on the Iberian Peninsula from Roman imperial rule through the Visigothic period, the medieval Christian kingdoms, and the Habsburg monarchy, concluding with Charles II of Spain. The series is conceived as a visual narrative of Spanish sovereignty rather than a generic collection of rulers. It begins with Roman emperors closely connected to Hispania, including Trajan and Hadrian, and continues through late antiquity, the Visigothic kings, the Reconquista, and the consolidation of Spain under Castile, León, Aragón, and the Habsburg dynasty. Together, the sheets form a coherent regnal sequence spanning more than fifteen centuries of Spanish history. Each sheet is structured as a carefully balanced grid of oval portrait medallions, framed by architectural borders and accompanied by concise Latin texts. The portrait style is derived from classical and numismatic sources, lending the series a timeless, authoritative character. The monochrome engraving, strong linear structure, and repetition of form give the set considerable decorative impact, making it particularly suitable for libraries, studies, hallways, or large wall installations. The engravings were produced in Rome around 1700, within the tradition of learned historical illustration intended for collectors, scholars, and institutions. The presence of intentionally blank medallions at the end of the sequence reflects the original concept of an expandable dynastic history and underscores the intellectual ambition of the project. This is a rare opportunity to acquire a large, visually unified Spanish royal portrait series that combines strong interior appeal with serious historical depth. Condition report: Overall very good condition. Clean impressions with strong detail. Light age toning, minor handling marks, and occasional soft creases consistent with age. Margins ample. No restorations observed. Framing tips Excellent framed as a full suite in matching frames for a statement wall, or individually spaced in a grid layout. Works well with dark wood or black frames and generous off-white mats to emphasize the engraved detail. Technique Copper engraving Maker Italian engravers, Rome, circa 1700 Keyword: Kings of Spain portraits, Spanish monarchy, Spain royal history, Hispania rulers, Roman Hispania, Visigothic kings, Reconquista Spain, Habsburg Spain, Spanish regnal portraits, dynastic portrait series, genealogical engravings, Roman engraving...